69 percent voting in Bengal civic polls; one killed in violence

Kolkata: Over 69 percent polling was recorded on Saturday in elections to 91 municipalities across West Bengal, which was marred by sporadic incidents of violence that left one dead and several injured including two policemen and a poll official.

One person identified as Indrajit Singh was shot dead from point blank range at a polling booth near Katwa bus stand in Burdwan district.

District Magistrate Saumitra Mohan confirmed the death and has sought report from the polling officials.

Repolling recommended in six wards in Katwa, he added.

Superintendent of police Kunal Agarwal said 11 Congress workers were arrested in Katwa in connection with the killing - three from the spot with firearms and eight from nearby houses. Fifty bombs were also found from the houses.

Eight TMC workers were detained for creating trouble during the polling in Katwa, he said.

Trinamool Congress claimed that Singh, a party supporter, was shot dead while trying to prevent booth jamming at ward number 14 by a gangster.

The DM said two voters suffered bullet injuries in their legs in Katwa when motorbike borne miscreants fired at them. Both, including a woman, were hospitalised, he said.

In another incident, sector officer Rakesh Biswas was beaten up and his vehicle damaged by miscreants, Mohan said adding that he was released from Katwa hospital after first aid.

Sabyasachi Ghosh, OSD in State Election Commission said till 3 PM, 69 per cent polling has been recorded. "There have been some complaints of violence in some parts of the state," he said.